Multiple mold handling mechanism for clay pipe forming machines



Sept. 11, 1956 R. LACY ET AL MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES originar iled Jan. 15. 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet l Affen? @y Sept. 11, 1956 R LACY ErAL 2,762,104

MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 'origial Filed Jan. 15. 194s Sept. 11, 1956 R. LACY ErAL MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Jan. 15, 1949 142'( off/aga Sept- 11, 1956 R. LACY Erm.

MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES Original Filed Jan. l5. 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 mi@ 'Q 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 11, 1956 R. LACY ETAL MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES Original Filed Jan. l5. 1949 MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM F'OR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES Original Filed Jan. 15. 1949 Sept. 11, 1956 R. LACY E-rAL 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Sept. 11, 1956 v R. LACY ETAL 2,762,104

MULTIPLE MQLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES Original Filed Jan. 15. 19,49 losheets-Sheet 7 /fze /61 Sept. 1l, 1956 R. LACY ETAL 2,762,104

MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES original Filed Jan.`15. 1949 10 Sheets-.Sheet 8 ha f2 f@ y @565x350 Sept. 11, 1956 R. LACY ETAL 2,762,104

MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES Original Filed Jan. l5. 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet. 9

Siept. 11, 1956 R. LACY ETAL 2,762,104

MULTIPLE MOLD HANDLING MECHANISM FOR CLAY PIPE FORMING MACHINES Original Filed Jan. 15. 1949 l0 Sheets-Sheet l0 United States Patent MULTPLE M'QLD HANBIY'NG lVlECHNSM FOR 'CLAY PEE MEACHINES Roy Lacy, deceased, late of Los Angeles, Calif., by Farmers and Merchants Nanoml Bank of Los Angeles, executor, Los Angeles, Calif., and Cecil V., McClintock, -deceased, late of Los Nietos, Calif., by Hazel C. McClintock, execumix, Pasadena, Calif., and .lohn D. Rossier, Compton, Calif., assignors, by mesne assignments, to Pearne & acy Machine lCompany, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Original application .lanuary 1S, 1949, Serial No. 71,162, now Patent No. 2,591,267, dated April 1, '1952. livided and this application April it), 1951, Serial No. 220,252

13 Claims. (Cl. 25-391 This invention is concerned with a multiple mold handling mechanism for clay pipe forming machines, and' it is a general object of the invention to provide a simple, practical, eticient mechanism for incorporation in a machine for the manufacture, forming or shaping of sewer pipe, or the like.

This application is led as a division of application Serial No. 71,162, now Patent No. 2,591,267, entitled Mach-ine for Forming Clay Pipe with a Bell-Shaped End, led January 15, 1949, wherein there is described and claimed a general machine in which the mechanism described and claimed in this application is but an element or part.

The mechanism which is the subject of the present invention is for use in a machine employed in the formation or manufacture of various products, and is particularly practical as applied to a machine for use in the manufacture, forming or shaping of malleable or plastic material', such as clay, into bell-ended sewer pipe, or the like, and therefore we will, in this application, make particular` reference t a form and application or the invention practical for the manufacture or formation of sewer pipe. When we refer to sewer pipe we refer to a tubular body with one end enlarged or belled in the manner common to this type of product, and in the present application we will confine ourselves to consideration of sewer pipe that is straight and tubular and, further, will refer only to sewer pipe that is round in cross section. It is to be understood that the invention contemplates various modifications and variations all of which will be apparent as a result of a consideration of the details herein set forth.

The machine in which the mechanism of the present invention is incorporated involves, generally, an extruder, preferably an auger type extruder that forms av continuous tubular column. A cutter severs the column into blanks of given length and a transfer means receives the blanks as formed and delivers them one at a time to a section of the machine in which the present invention is incorporated.

The structure as provided by the present invention involves a frame that carries a hub and various other ele,- ments cooperatively related to the hub. The hub is rotatably supported by the frame and an intermittent movement mechanism, preferably a Geneva mechanism, is provided to intermittently operate the hub. In the preferred arrangement the movement mechanism drives the hub from one end and a booster cooperates to aid the action of the movement mechanism, the booster being a. spring actuated cam mechanism supplementing the action of the movement mechanism. The hub carries a plurality of inner mold sections, these. mold sections being disposed longitudinally of the hub on the periphery hQICQf, the arrangement and relationship being such that as the hub Fatented Sept. il, 1956 is operated intermittently the inner mold sections are successively moved into a predetermined working position, preferably at the uppermost side of the hub. A table is arranged at one side of the hub and blanks roll down or along the table into engagement with the inner mold sections. At the opposite side of the hub the blanks are free to be removed from the machine.

An outer mold section is operable into and out of engagement with an inner section located in the predetermined position, and a structure is provided supporting the outer mold section from the frame. A structure is pro.- vided for operating on a blank while held in` or by the mold Sections, and preferably includes a core, ahead, and operating means for the core and head carried by theV frame which supports the hub. Further, a trimmer is provided to trim and position the blank located in the predetermined position, the trimmer being carried by the frame which supports the hub.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a simple, practical, dependable mechanism of the general character referred to, in which a plurality of moldl sections is intermittently operated so that the individual sections successively occur in a predetermined working position where they will cooperate with a complementary mold section, the Support for the intermittently operated mold sections being a hub. carried in a frame and driven by a Geneva movement.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism of the general character referred to wherein a rotatably mounted hub carrying mold sections is intermittent-ly operated by a Geneva movement, and a booster mechanism cooperates with the Geneva movement to SDPPIement the action thereof, to the end that the hub operates accurately and rapidly to intermittently advance the mold sections in the predetermined manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mechanism of the general character referred to in which a. common frame carries the hub which supports the mold sections, and also carries the elements of the machine that cooperate with the mold sections on the hub, with the result that the machine is simple, practical, and compact.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a mechanism of the general character referred to in which the working parts are of simple, sturdy construction and are so related and operated relative to each other as to provide a simple, dependable, commercially practical structure.

The machine herein set forth and considered as a Whole, or as a unit, is set forth and claimed in the parent application, Serial No. 71,162, filed on January 15, 1949, entitled Machine for Forming Clay Pipe with a Bell-.Shaped End. while the particular structure disclosed for acting onthe blank to trim, position, and bell the blank is set forth and claimedv in application Serial No. 220,251, entitled Mechanism for Trimming and Belling Clay Pipe, filed, on even date herewith.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the followingl detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig., l is a plan view of a machine embodying the present invention showing a supply of tubular material being delivered by the extruder,` showing tubular blanks sup-V plied to the Shaper, and showing finally formed pipe being' delivered by the Shaper. Fig. 2 is an enlarged, detailed, sectional View at one end of the finally formed pipe, showingthe form or shape of` the bell provided thereon. Fig. 3 is a sectionall View of the other end ofthe pipe, showingv the. manner in which it iis trimmed or finished and provided with scoring. Fig. 4 is a vertical, longitudinal, sec- .713 tional view through the shaper provided by the present invention, showing a blank in position in the shaper ready to be acted upon, and Showing the various elements of the Shaper in the unoperated or retracted position, being an enlarged view taken generally as indicated by line 4 4 on Fig. 1.V Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the machine as shown in Fig. 4, being a view taken as indicated by line 5 5 on Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a side elevation lof the machine shown in Fig. 5, being a view Vtaken aS indicated by line 6 6 on Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4, being the mechanism that supports and acts upon the blank in the `shaper and showing the units or elements of such mech- `anism actuated or fully operated. Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan section of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig.

7, being a view taken as indicated by line 8 8 on Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, detailed, transverse, sectional view l taken as indicated by line 9 9 on Fig. 7. Fig. l0 is an enlarged plan section of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 7, being a View taken substantially as indicated by line 10 10 on Fig. 7. Fig. 1l isan enlarged, plan, sectional view of a portion of theA mechanism shown in Fig. 4, being a View taken substantially as indicated by line 11-11 on Fig. 4. Fig. 12 is an enlarged, sectional view taken as indicated by line 12 12 on Fig. 4. Fig. 13 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view of a portion of the` mechanism shown in Fig. 4, being a view taken as indicated by line 13 13 on Fig. 4. Fig. 14 is an enlarged, transverse, sectional view taken as indicated by line 14-14 on Fig. 7. Fig. l5 is an enlarged, detailed, transverse, sectional View taken as indicated by line 15-15 on Fig. 4. Fig. 16 is an enlarged, detailed, sectional view taken as indicated by line 16-16 on Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is an enlarged, detailed, sectional view taken as indicated by line 17 17 on Fig. 4. Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 17, being a view taken as indicated by line 13 18 on Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a plan section of the mechanism shown in Fig. 17, being a view taken as indicated by line 19 19 on Fig. 17.

- Fig. 20 is an enlarged, detailed, end view of a part of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4, being a view taken as indicated by line 20 2 on Fig. 4. Fig. 2l is a detailed view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 19, being a view taken as indicated by line 21-21 on Fig. 19, and Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram of the principal working parts of the machine, showing the uid pressure and electrical systems provided by the present invention.

The machine illustrated throughout the drawings is such as to initially form or produce a supply S of tubular form, and the particular supply shown is a body of clay, or the like, round in cross section, and of the character from which sewer pipe, or the like, is formed. The supply S is actedV upon by the machine to first form it into elongate, tubular blanks T, which are transferred or delivered to arshaper which acts upon the blanks, one at a time, to trim one end and bell the other end. Y

In Fig. 2 of the drawings a finished blank or length of pipe, such as is formed by the present machine, 'is illustrated,showing the belled end with a thickened portion 10 on the straight, tubular body 11, and with an outwardly ared portion or bell 12 joined to and continuing or projecting'from the enlarged portion 10. In the particular case illustrated the exterior 13, as well as the interior 14, of the bell 12, is tapered, and the extreme outer end 15 of the bell is rounded, all as clearly illustrated 1n Fig. 2 of the drawings.Y The machine of the present invention acts upon Vthe other or opposite end of the tubular body 11 to trim it. This end portion of the body 11 is preferably trimmed so that its end 16 is smooth and at, and has its inner and outer corners 17 suitably dressed olf, or rounded. Furthermore, the extreme end portion 18,1,nay be slightly tapered, and this portion is provided with a plurality of indentations 19 in the nature of scoring, that acts to hold or anchor grout that may be used 2,762,104 p -f Y terial to be acted upon, a blank former XX which serves to sever the supply S of material delivered by the extruder i to form it into blanks T of predetermined length, transfer means Y receiving blanks from the former X, a Shaper VYY receiving the blanks T from the means Y, one at a time, and acting upon them one at a time, to finally deliver them at a point V, where they may be conveniently handled by a suitable carrier/320, or the like, Yand control means Z coordinating the action of the extruder X, former XX and Shaper YY.

The extruder X may vary widely in form, type, or construction, although we prefer to employ an auger type extruder, and the extruder is preferably arranged to deliver the supply S horizontally to 'the former XX. yIn

vthe drawings, we have illustrated the principal portions of the extruder, namely, the body 21V thereof, in which the auger or screw 22 operates, the head or die 23 from which the supply S issues, and a prime mover or motor 24 that operates the auger 22 through a suitable drive 25. The present invention is in no way concerned with the details of the extruder and it is to be understood that these elements of the machine may be varied widely as circumstances may require.

The blank former XX serves generally to receive the continuous supply S of tubular material from the extruder, and to cut such supply into blanks of predetermined length, and then deliver them laterally, and while they are maintained with their axes parallel with that of the supply S, to the transfer means Y. The blank former that we have illustrated as included in the machine of the present invention involves, generally, a Vbase 30, a frame 31 supported on or from the base, an' elongate carriage 32, a mounting 33 supporting the carriage from the base for reciprocation relative thereto, a carrier 34, a mounting 35 for the carrier supporting the carrier with its center of operation coaxial with that of the supply S, an extensible rest 36, cutting means 37 operating on the supply S to sever it into blanks T of predetermined length, operating means 38 for the carriage, operating means 39 for the carrier, and various other-elements and features as will be hereinafter described.

The Vbase 30 of therformer, which may be of any suitable form or construction, is preferably a rigid or stationary structure, for instance, a beam structure carried on a suitable floor or foundation U.

The frame 31 is an elongate structure supported from the base 30 to be parallel with the extruder X, and to be immediately adjacent the delivery end of the extruder so that it extends forward therefrom. In the construction illustrated the frame isadjustably supported from the base through suitable supporting or adjusting screws 4t) and it involves, generally, a lower or bed portion 41 and an upper or head portion 42. Vertical parts or uprights 43 extend between the bed and head,'and support the head a suitable distance above the bed.

The carriage 32 is an elongate frame-like construction or element, supported on the frame 31 through the means 33 to extend parallel with the axis of the extruder, and in the case illustrated it is a structure that is rectangular in plan configuration. i

The means or mounting 33 supporting the carriage on the frame 31 involves cooperating rollers and rails. In the particular case illustrated suitable danged rollers 46 are supported at the upper side of the frame head 42 at points spaced longitudinally of the frame and rails 47 depend from the bottom of the carriage 32 and are engaged with or supported by the rollers. Through Ythis construction the carriage 32 is supported from the frame 31 to extend parallel with the longitudinal axis of the Vex-V Afinder and so that it may be operated yor reciprocated the desired amount ylongitudinally of the extruder or parallel with said axis.

The carrier 34 is a tiltable element, that is, 4it is mounted on -the carriage by the means 35 so that it can be rocked or tilted for the purpose hereinafter described. rEhe carrier 34 is an elongate trough-"like element with a concave seat portion 48 Ythe curvature'of which is substantially the same as that of the exterior of the supply S delivered by the extmder. In the particular case illustrated the carrier 4extends parallel Vwith the llongitudinai axis of the extruder and is mounted bythe means 35 so that the concave seat is in position to receive Vand Vsupport the supply as .it issues vfrom the extruder. The carrier Iis made somewhat shorter than lthe length Idesired or required for the blanks T to be formed 'by the former and is such that it may be located between the cutters 37 of the former to be clear thereof when the former operates to sever the supply into a blank, such Ypositioning of the carrier being shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. Y

A feature of the carrier 34 is a lip -49 Y'joined to or'cx- Vtending 'from one edge or side of the Vseat 48 and extending throughout the length of the carrier. The lip extends outwardly from the seat and upwardly, as indicated -in dotted lines in Fig. 5, when the carrier lis in receiving position receiving supply S from the extruder and the carrier is operable to a delivering position -where the lip 49 extends laterally and somewhat downward to engage or overlap the means Y as shown in full lines in Fig. of the drawings.

The mounting means for Vthe carrier 34 supports the carrier in the desired position aligned with the -ex- 'truder and for rocking or tilting movement between the lpositions just described. In the form of construction illustrated the mounting 35 involves longitudinally spaced curved tracks 56 on the exterior or under side of the carrier and rollers 51 on the carriage 32 to support the tracks. The edges or faces of the tracks 59 are curved concentric with the axis of the seat 48 and the tracks are segmental in form or extend only partially around the Vcarriage so that the carriage is open at one side or `where the lip occurs in order to allow a blank formed in the carrier to 'be discharged therefrom to the means Y.

The extensible rest 36 bridges the opening that might otherwise occur between the carrier 34 and the die 23 of the extruder in order to eiective'ly support the supply S of extruded material as it issues from the die and particularly when the carrier is moved away from the die or to a position such as is shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings.

The rest 36 involves, generally, two te'lescoping or overlapping Asections 52 and 53, the section 52 Vbeing located in Va fixed position or being mounted stationary by a bracket 54 projecting from the frame 31 while the section 53 is mounted on the end of the carriage 32 facing the die 23 to project from that end Vof the carriage, and in the case illustrated, to slide under the Vprojecting end of section 52. It is preferred, in practice, that the sections 52 and 53 of the Vrest be'c'oncave or trough shaped so that Vthey eectively guide the supply S of formed material from the die 23 to the carrier 34 of the former.

The cutting means or cutters 37 of the former are supported by the carriage and serve to sever the supply S of formed material into blanks of the desired length. In practice the extruder X is operated to deliver the supply S at a rate somewhat in excess of that which can be handled by or which is needed by the former to form the desired blanks T, with the result that the former T is provided with two cutters which act upon the supply S in the carrier to simultaneously trim the excess amount of supply from the outer end thereof and sever the blank from the supply. The cutters are located at or immediately beyond the ends of the carrier and are spaced apart se that the blank cut thereby isof the desired length. In practice the blank thus cut is slightly longer than that actually required for the formation of the nished pipe,

vshaperas 'will be hereinafter described.

By mounting the cutters .of means 37 on the carriage they move with the carrier as Vit Vmoves lengthwise of the longitudinal axis of the .extruder and serve to support the supply as 'it issues from the extruder. The cutters operate as the carrier moves away from the extruder so Vthat their .operation is completed before the carriage is operated or tilted in such manner as to deliver the formed blank to the means Y. In the particular form of the invention illustrated the cutter at'the inner end of the carrier severs the blank from the supply S, while the cutter at the outer end of the carrier trims the projecting -end of 'the blank'or of the supply.

In the case illustrated the cutters are of the wire 4type and are both alike and each cutter is shown as involving spaced vertically disposed 4rods 6o and cross heads .6 1 connecting the upper and lower ends of the rods. The cutting wire 62 extends between suitable brackets `63 on the rods, the brackets 'being located at suitable .points between the cross heads 61.

Suitable means are provided Vto guide and operate the structure just described so that the wire is reciprocated transversely of the supply on ythe carrier to cut it in vthe desired manner. In the case illustrated cylinders 64 are fixed'to or on the carriage and pistons 66 operate in the cylinders and have rods 65 projecting from the ends of the cylinders, which rods are joined to the cross heads 61. The Yparticular mechanism illustrated is such that when the wire carrying frame formed by the rods 60 and cross heads 61 is in an up Position, as shown in Fig. -5, 'the Wire .62 is well above 'the supply to be cut, and to make a cut this frame is moved down to a 'position where the wire is below the supply to be cut and is left in the down lposition until thenext cut is to be made, whereupon the said next cutis made as the frame is moved up or .back to the position shown in Fig. 5.

A'suitable control is provided Yfor the cylinder `and piston Vmechanisms that operate the frame formed by the rods 6d and cross heads 6l. In fact, a single control is provided to operate the cylinder and piston lmeehanisIIlS of both cutters, since the cutters are operated simultaneously.

Y The particular control illustrated in the drawings involves a valve 68 mounted in a xed position on the frame 3l, an operator 69 for the valve having a projecting arm '76, and a lug 71 projecting from the carriage 32 .to engage and cooperate with arm 70. The valve 6.8 has two positions and when in one position it admits lluid under pressure to the upper ends of the cylinders 64 and when in the other position it admits uid under pressure to the other or lower ends of the cylinders 64. The valve operator 69 may be a typical ratchet type operator such that the valve 68 is operated only as the arm 70 moves from the dotted position shown in Fig. 6 to the full line position shown in Fig. 6, to which position the arm normally tends to move. When the carriage is retracted the lug 7l on the carriage engages and operates the arm 70 to the dotted position and under such condition the valve 68 remains unoperated. As the carriage moves out or to the extended position the lug 71 moves away from .or relieves the ann allowing it to assume the position shown in Fig. 6, whereupon the valve 68 operates.

When the valve 68 is operated the operating fluid supplied through a suitable duct 72 is admitted either to ducts 73 extending to the upper ends of cylinders 64 or ducts 74 extending to the lower ends of the cylinders 64, depending upon the position of the valve 68. In View of the fact that the valve 68 is mounted stationary on the frame 3i while the cylinders 64 are on the carriage 3,2, the ducts '73 and 74 are made llexible.

The operating means 38 for the carriage 32 is a Huid pressure actuated means and in the case illustrated 'it is shown as involving cylinders 76, and pistons y77 operating in the cylinders, and a control valve 78. Each Cylinder y 7, t'1,6 is mounted in a xed Yposition onthe head 42. of the frame 31 and so that it extends parallel with the axis of the former and with that of the extruder X. Each piston `77 slides in its cylinder and hasa rod 79 extending from *one end of the, cylinder 7 6 and coupled to the carriage by *a suitable bracket 80. The cylinder and piston mechanism Vjust'referred to is of such size Vand design as Vto 4operate the carriage between an in or retracted position where. the carrier receives thersupply S close to the die V23 and an extended or out position where the carrier is "in positionto deliver the cut blank T to the means Y. V,The valve 78 has two positions.V In one position it .admits fluid under pressure from supply pipe 81 to one end of cylinder 76 through a pipe 82 and whenin the otherV yposition it admits fluid from thepipe 81 to the other Vend o f the cylinder through the pipe 83.

The operating means 39 for the carrier is a fluid pressure actuated means and is shown as involving a cylinder '85,` a piston 86 operable in the cylinder, a control valve 87 and 'a suitable operating connection between the piston rod 83 that projects from the piston 86 and the carrier. The cylinder S is pivotally mounted on the carriage 32. The connection provided between the pistonrod SS and the carrier is shown as involving a rocker shaft 90, an arm 91 projecting from the rocker shaft and pivotally connected to the piston rod, and arms 92 projecting from the rocker shaft and coupled to the carrier by suitable links 93. The rocker shaft 90 extends longitudinally of the carriage to be parallel with the carrier and the arms 92 are spaced a substantial distance apart Vlongilines of the several'valves above described.

It is to be understood, of course, that suitable drain or Y return lines are provided to conduct fluidV from the valves tudinally of theshaft 90, so that the links 93 electively connect with the carrier at or near the ends thereof.

VThe valve S7 is shown mounted on the frame 31 and controls flow of uid from a pressure supply line 94 to a line 95 extending to the top end of cylinder 85 or to a line 96 extending to the bottom end of cylinder 85. The lines 95 and 96 are flexible to accommodate the Vmovement that occurs between the carriage and the frame.

` VThe former further includes means operating the valve 8,7 after the cutters have been operated and when the carriage reaches its outermost or extended position, as shown in Fig. 6. When the carriage reaches this posi- Vtion the valve 87 is operated to deliver fluid under pressure to the lower end of cylinder 85 so that the carrier is rocked from the normal vposition where the lip 49 is up as indicated in dottedlines in Fig. 5, to the dumping or operated position where the lip 49 is down, as shown in full lines in Fig. 5.

- The means illustrated for operating the valve 87 when the carriage reaches its outermost position is shown as including a pivoted lever 100 engaged and operated by a projecting part of the bracket 80 hereinabove described. A link 101 connects the pivoted arm 100 with the op- 5 erating stem ofthe valve S7. A spring 102 located in the valve or as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings normally yieldingly holds the arm 100 in position where the valve 87 admits iiuid to the upper end of cylinder 85. As the carriage moves to its iinal out or extended position the bracket 80 strikes the arm 100 shifting the link 101 so the valve 87Vis operated admitting uid under pressure to the lower end of cylinder 85, with consequent operation or tilting of the carrier so that the blank thereon is delivered to the means Y. The tilt of the lip 49 is such that the blank rolls by gravity from the carrier to the means Y.

, In the form of the invention illustrated the mechanism thus far described in detail, that is, the former XX, is provided with an independent power supply. In the case illustrated the `power supply for the former involves aY prime mover or motor 105 operating a suitable pump 106 which receives fluid from a reservoir 107 and de- Vlivers it through a pressure regulator'108 to a main supply line 109. A by-pass connection 110 returns excess fluid from the regulator 108 to the reservoir 107. The

l the inner or mold end of the machine,

or the cylinders supplied thereby to the reservoir, as shown in the diagram (Fig. 22). The transfer means Y receives the blanks formed by the former XX and delivers them one at a time to the Shaper YY. I n the preferred form of the invention the transfer meansV Y is of simple form or constructionand involves, essentially, a table 112 extending from the former XX to the shaper YY. j The table is shown'as a simple fiat plate-likerpart with its receiving end so located as to be immediately under or overlapped by the outer or delivery end of the lip .49 while its other end islocated YtoV deliver blanks T into the Shaper YY atthe desired point. In accordance with the present invention the table 112 is inclined or tilted somewhat or to follow the inclination of the lip 49, so that blanks T roll by gravity from the receiving end of the table to the delivery end. It will be understood that the pitch or inclination of the table may be made such as to cause the blanks to kroll across the table at the desired rate and so that they are finally delivered to the Shaper YY without injury.

The table 112 is preferably mounted in a xed position, as by means of a 'suitable stand 113 carried by orY projecting upward from the projecting portion of the base 30 of former XX.

The shaper YY in the form illustrated involves, generally, a frame A, a blank receiving cradle B, ,a die or mold C, a core D cooperating with the mold, a forming head E cooperatively related to the core and mold, means n F operating the mold, means H operating the core, means I operating the forming head, means K rotating the forming head, a trimmer L, operating means M for theV trimmer t and a timer N for the aforementioned operating elements of the shaper.

The frame Aof the Shaper serves as a generalsupport or carrier kfor the various other elements of the Shaper and it involves, generally, a bed or base 115, a pluralityV of vertical standards 116, and a head'117. The bed or base 115 is shownras involving suitable frame members v or beams resting on a suitable'support or foundation, as for instance, the foundation W on which'the former or base 115 is an elongate from the former as will be seen in Fig. l of the drawings; In the particular case illustrated Ythe frame involves generally three vertical standards 116, a standard `at at the outer or trimmer end of the machine, and an intermediate standard 122 located between the standards 120 and 121. ,t

The head 117 of the frame is at the mold end of the frame and is carried by or supported on the standards 120 and 122 to project upwardly therefrom at a point outward of the mold C and it has a laterally or horizontal- Ily projecting neck portion 123 Vat its upper end projecting over the mold C, as clearly shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. t

The blank receiving cradle B serves to receive a blank T from the means Y and supports such blank in line with the mold C, and it acts to continue as a support for the blank as the blank is operated upon by the trimmer L as well as the mold C andthe parts that cooperate therewith,

such, for example, as ythe core D and head E. It is to be Y observed that the cradle B received the blank T with the blank horizontally disposed and extending parallel with the longitudinal axes of the extruder and former, and it maintains the blank in a horizontal and parallel position Y throughout operation of the shaper. In the particular machine illustrated `tihe means Y delivers the blank T at one side of the Shaper and therefore the cradle Bis movable or shiftable to shift or carry Y a standard 121 t arcaica tthe blank 'fIlater-ally :to aligned `position relative fto the :mOldiQthe tr'immerL, Vthe-tcoreD andfthe'head E, which elements are `in line but lremoved from the point Vwhere rthe blank is :received iby 'the shaper. In the preferred Aformaof the invention vthe cradle'B is pivotally mounted `orvsupported'tolshiftbetween therreceiving position ad- -jacentathe meansY `and the operating position in'line with lthe mold C.

'The cradle 'B is anfelongate element with a concave r-seat 124 which-is curved to conformlto the exterior of thel'blank Tas clearly shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings. "-Thescradleis ofsuch'leng'th-as-to extend a substantial "distance-along the blank T and thus a'iords support for the blank as it is moved from'the position at theside of the `sl1aper=-where it is lreceived from means 'Y to the operating vposition'in the shaper where it is in line with :themold C. fIn the particular case illustrated the cradle ismountedfon an axiswhich vcauses'it to'swing somewhat npasfitmoves from the receiving position to the operatingposition, as will be apparent-from Fig, 5 of the drawings.

A hub 125 is shown ysupporting the cradle B on or from a shaft 12'6, 'that extendslengthwise of theshaper and is lsupported by suitable bearings carried by the standards of the frame.

IThe-"hub 125 .is preferably a drum-like structure of substantial-diameter, making it effective asa carrier or mounting for a plurality Vof cradles. 'By providing a plurality of-cradles circumferentially spaced around the drum.1`25'it is-merely necessary to move the hub a portion of a revolutionto lInove'a -cradle from the receiving Iposition `adjacent means lY to the operating` position in line with the mold C. In such'case the several cradles mounted `on the hubare successively vmoved into operationI andas thehub is rotated or intermittently advanced a^cradle picking up -a blank -at the -means Y first Ymoves it laterally-into alignment with the moldv and'thenafter the Shaper has'actedv uponthe blank to form thepipe and on the next operation of the hub, that particular cradle is vfurther carried laterally'and away from means Y tothe lopposite side of the Shaper orto theposition Y where the formedrpipe is discharged from-the Shaper.

vIn the particular machine illustrated'there are eight cradles on the'hub125, in Whichvcase the hub is so constructedthat its-periphery is octagonal in cross sectional configuration, each face 128 of the hub serving as a mounting or support for a cradle.

The die or Vmold C is a sectional elementor structure preferably involvingtwo'sections forming a shell adapted to receive-core D. Theparticular mold construction illustrated'in the drawings isdivided lengthwise or longitudinally intoa hub-supported section 130 .adapted to be carried about a fixed axis and a` slidably supported .cornplementarysection 131 adapted tobe reciprocated. vThe mold involves, `inaddition to thesections 130 and 131, guiding means acting to guide the sections into aligned or assembledposition as the mold is operated .by themeans Ras will be hereinafter described.

VThe. section 130 of the mold C is vshown related toa cradle-.B to'be fixed orstationaryrelative thereto and to lne-.aligned therewithat one end thereof. In such case the-section-130.shiftsormoves in the machine in the same manner as doesitsfcomplementary cradle.B,zthat-is, it is so mountedas toshift Ybetween a receiving position adjacent-.the'means Y-.and an operating position in alignment with lthe core'D and the head E.

'In a machine such as we have illustrated, wherein there are several cradles B which successively operate and which'are'carried by a single hub 125, we provide a corresponding number of mold sections 130, that is, We pro- Vide am'old section 130in alignment with eachcradle `B. Furthermore, wepreferto mount Vthe mold `sections-.13%) on a portion or leattension-132 of the hub-125, to the end that the .hub with its several `cradles .and -several v-mold -sections .forms :a lrigid unit yrotatably isupportedy -tlre shaft-'126.

In practice, jand las Will-be A'apparenti from the-'description to follow, the-mold=seetions '130-fare'snbj'ecteto'high pressures during operation of the shaperand lthey do-more than merelyfcarry the' blank, asin-the casefot-he cradles, Aand ltherefore the hub extension 132 which lcarries vthe mold-sections' ismade orconstructed so thatvit-is-rigid and strong, Yor issuch-as to-effectively withstand Athe working pressures which come upon it. In Ythe case 'illustrated the hub extension 1322is` shown of-heavy-Webbed -construction and the mold-sectionsv-ISO are made'ffasttotheperiph-- ery of Vtheihub extension 132.

-upon yand to theldischarge position'V-at-thefsideeof-the -zshapervopposite` tothatfat--whichthe iblank vwas-received.

lThe `complementary moldy section 131-*is -shiftable relative to Vthe'section i136 lof the mold -between-#ar'position engaged vtherewith and :Where `the `two sections combine to festablish the'desired structure around the 7Ablank, as a Yretracted 1or -withdrawn position Where v:it Ais completely disengaged Tfrom vrthe blank, Las

:shown in Fig. '4.

Where vv'the machine involves la 1plurality of fmold'vsec- Ationslt 'as-.hereinabove described there-maybe av corresponding or complementary -mold -section1'31-ferffeach mold fsection 139. However, it-is-fpreferredithat there be'but-'one mold-sectionl'l and that it' be'so mounted as to successively cooperate Qwith vthe 'mold sections 130 as they-are'broughtinto operating position -tlirouglrintermittent rotation or-operation of their supportinglhu'o.

zIn the particulanmachine 'illustrated-there is'ebut *one complementary vrnold section '-131 and it-is Y mounted* or located latthe upper yportion .of the machine-to be mova- -ble vertically into and out-ofvcooperativeengagement ywith a hub supported mold-section. It will be apparent lof `course that the mold section-131 Vmight -be arranged in any desiredk position about fthe -axis lof the 'hub -so long-as it is so located as tube-movable into cooperation with arnold-section on-the hub which iis-in position ready 'for operation.

The mold sections i3d and ll--are rshown Ywith-'dist abutting faces 135 and the sections have-registering-cavities that establish `-an'opening 1136` snugly-receivingf-the -blank'T andan enlarged chamber v137 extending from the outer end of the opening'andinto which :the end-portion of the-blank may ybefpressed `or belled vto* shape it as shown in Fig. 2 of the :dra-wings. A

In the 'particular case illustrated or where vthe machine is'forming pipe round in cross-section-.and the tbelllis round in cross `section,\the moldsections-'cooperatefto 'establish a round opening f1f3'6 that snugly receives the round blank T and the chamber into which thefmaterial of theblankis formed yto estabiish the desiredbell is round and concentric with'the opening 136. `It will'be apparentffrom the drawings how the mold sections-may be formed` orl designed to have the'desired-engagement around the 'blank T and how they serve to Aestablish a mold cavity 137 at the-end portion of the blanklsuitable for the formation o'f any ldesred end parten the-end vof the blanksuch, for-:example-'as a bell, as shown in Fig. 2 ofthe-drawings.

The 'means provided forguiding thexmold sections 130 and i131 into :cooperative engagement may vary with the mold construction, -or with vthe. manner intwhich the mold sections are operated; relativetoeaeh other. .:Where V1 1 the hubsupported mold sections aresuccessivelybrought into operating position to cooperate with a singlevertic'ally reciprocatingY top or complementary mold section we have found it advantageous to provide guide pins 140 projecting from the facesr135 of the Vmold sections130 to enter .orbe received in guide'openings 141 entering the top or mold section 131 from the face y135.tl1ereof. In the particular form Vof'construction illustrated the mold sections are provided with laterally projecting anges .142 Yalongwhich the faces 135 extend and the pins 140 Yand openings 141Y occur at these anges.

As a further means of guiding or centering the mold sectionsrelative to each other we provide one Vmold section withrecessesf145 andthe other mold section with ribs 146 .which project into or engage with the recesses. Y The core D is anrelongate part arranged concentric with the mold and is mounted to reciprocate relative to themold. In accordance' with the present invention the Vcore isrof substantial length and is s uch asrto move from a vretracted position clear `or free of the outer oribell end of the mold (see Fig. 4) to an extended or operating position where it extends a substantial distance into the mold or inwardly in the mold from the chamber rportion 137 thereof, as shown in Fig. 8. By thus extending the corea substantial distance into the mold concentric with the opening 136 of the mold, and by making the core of such diameter as to snugly t the opening 148 in the yblank T, a substantial portion or length of` the blank adjacent the end portion of the blank that is pressed or worked into the cavity or chamber 137 is conned, and

t axially with the mold to shift lengthwise thereof. In the particular case illustrated ythe head E of the mold is effectively supported, as will be |hereinafter described and the core D is slidably supported in the head.

The forming head E cooperates Vwith the mold C and the core D to form material at the end of the blank into the desired bell shape as lshown in Fig. 2. In the preferred form of the invention the head is an annular element concentric with the core and is movable axially relative theretoand relative to'the mold C between a retracted position where -it is out of the mold and clear thereof, as shown in Fig. 4, and an .in'or engaged posiltion where it is within the cavity 137 of the mold, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. t

The exterior or outer surface 150 of the head is shaped relative to the cavity'137 in the mold so that when the head is in the full engaged position as shown in Fig, 8, the head and cavity cooperate to formthe material of the blank into the desired bell on the end of the blank. In the particular case illustrated the head has a radially projecting ange 151 which enters the mouth or outer end portion of the cavity 137 and which forms a nal closure for the cavity when the head is in the fullyengaged position.

In Vvthe preferred form of the invention the various parts of the machine are setor regulated sothat the blank T positioned in the mold C to be operated upon by the core and head is slightly longer at the rnold end than is necessary for the formation of the desired bell. This being the case there is an excess' of material in the mold or between the mold and the head as the-head advances into the in or operating position, which excess material must be relieved from the structure or allowed to escape. In the `case illustrated an'annula-r series of escape openings 155 are provided in the ange 151 of the head and as the structure operates the excess material escapes through these openings as proongs. 'Y

' 1 2 Itis. most important to observe that withthe'structure that we have provided, that is, with the mold, thek core and the head related and operating .as hereinabove described,

' we form the bell on the end of the'tblank, not byexpand- Ving the material of the blank as occurs with the usual Vmethods of manufacturing productsof this kind, but rather we form the bell by pressing the material at the .end portion of the blank into the mold or between the mold and the head and around Ythegcore, all `with the result'that the bell portion of theY pipe is at least as dense, if not more dense,l than the balance of theV blank Vor pipe. This isla highly important feature/of' the presentinvention since it effectively overcomes a weakness or undesirable feature y characteristic of ordinary sewer pipe.

It is to be Vunderstood `that the elementsrjusrt described,

which contact or cooperate with the material of the blank' T, are finished so that their surfaces are'smooth and are not such as to stick to thematerial 'formed or to tear the Y material formed, and furthermore, itis to be understood that if desired the mold may be Vheated in order to aid freeing of the mold sections from the formed material.

A vsuitable gas jet A156 is Shown located to deliver a dame in such manner as to play upon thej mold orV more specifically the top sectionof the mold, in a manner t0 keep the mold suitably heated. Y

The means F providedV for operating the mold serves,

generally, to move the mold sections into and out of co-V operative relation. yThe meansl F provides Vjprimarily a structure for operating the top section of the'mold relative to the bottom section, land this structure is preferably a nid pressure actuated mechanism.

Means F is shown as involving la cylinder 160, a piston 161 operating in the cylinder, and a control valve 162.

AThe cylinder 160 is'supporterd vertically .by the neck 123 ot frame A so as to be located above and suitably spaced from the mold C. The piston 161 has arod 163 depending .from the cylinder 160, .which rod has the upper or top mold section 131 xedthereto, as by means of a suitable bracket 164. j, Y Y A Y The valve 162 has two positions. When in onerposition it admits Yhuid underpressure fronra supplyline 165 to a line 166 delivering it to the upper end of cylinderr160,

Vin which case the piston 161 is moved downwardly in the cylinder. In the other positionofjtheivalve 162 the luid under pressure is admitted from the supply line 1,65 to a line..167 which :conducts it tothe lower endof cylinder i 160 causing the piston 161 to move upwardly in the `cylinder. When the Ypiston 161 is moved downwardly; as above described, the mold 131 section is moved into seated engagement with the mold section 130 which is in operating position, so that'theblank T located in operating position is encased'by'the mold'readyfor operation of the core in the'head. Y Y t Where the sections 130 of the mold 'are shiftableas hereinabove described, operating means is provided for shifting the sections 130 to successively bring them vinto operating position. In the particular machine illustrated, and as above described, the 'cradles and mold sections 130 are joined or coupled vin a unit characterized by the hub which carries the cradles'and the mold sections 130, and which is rotatable Von the Vshaft A126. vIn this case a single operatingmeans is provided to rotate or operate the hub 125 and, consequently, a single 'means operates both the cradles and the mold sections 130.

In the form ofthe invention Yillustrated the means provided to operate -the mold sections 130 and their related cradles is a fluid pressureV actuated means land it is -such as to intermittently operate Or-rOtate'the hub;125. lThe operating means is such as to intermittently move the t hub so as to successively bring the moldsections 130v The particular means illustrated vfor operating Vthe hub i arsenaal 13 125 involves, generally, an intermittent movement mechanism 1712i, a drive 171 from the movement mechanism 17d to the hub, and va iluid rfrotor 172 drivingV the mechanism 17 il.

The intermittent movement mechanism is shown as a typical or conventional Geneva movement involving, generally, a star wheel 173 on a driven shaft 17d, and a pin wheel 175 on a drive shaft 176. it will be apparent from Fig. 17 of the drawings how constant rotation of the pin wheel 17S will cause intermittent movement of the star wheel and now the star wheel is effectively held between movements.

The motor 172 is shown as a uid operated motor driven by fluid supplied through a supply line l173 under control of a valve 179. 1n the particular case illustrated the drive from the motor 172 to the drive shaft 176 of the Geneva movement involves a speed reduction in a gear bon 183 and a suitable chain drive 181 from the mechanism in bo: 136 of the shaft 176.

The drive from the Geneva movement 17d to the hub 125 is shown as a gear drive involving a pinion 183 on the shaft 174 meshing with and driving a gear 184 'on the shaft 126. ln the particular machine illustrated there are eight lower mold sections on the hub and therefore it is desired that the hub be moved one eighth of a turn each time it is operated, whereas the Geneva movement 17d illustrated is such as to have four positions. The drive 171 is therefore proportioned so that although the driven shaft 174 of the Geneva movement moves one quarter of a revolution on each operation the shaft 126 moves only one eighth of a revolution.

The valve 179 controlling the supply line 173 to motor 172 is, in accordance with the preferred arrangement, a normally open valve, and is such as to be, in eifect, a master valve for the shaper in that it controls operation of the timer N.

In practice a machine constructed as above described and involving a multiplicity of inner mold sections combined with a corresponding number of cradles all on a common hub and requiring intermittent movement, as above described, results in great force being required to start each movement of the hub and also great force to stop each movement of the hub. A movement mechanism such as we have hereinabove described is effective and accurate for gaining the desired intermittent movement and may, in some cases, be all that is necessary for full and satisfactory operation. We prefer, however, to modify or supplement the movement mechanism above described by a modifying means G which serves or acts to add to the force exerted by the movement mechanism as the operation starts. and also acts to apply a braking or dampening force to the movement mechanism as it reaches the end of each operation.

The particular modifying means illustrated in the drawings involves, generally, a cam wheel 19t) on the hub shaft 126 and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced cam parts or lobes 191. The mechanism includes pressure arms 193 cooperating with the cam parts 191 and a spring 194 supplying the force exerted by the means G.

The cam wheel in the particular case illustrated is formed with eight lobes 191 which are toothlike and have flat outwardly converging sides 19S which terminate in lands or at tips 195.

'he arms 193 are pivotally supported on pivot pins 197 and carry followers or rollers 198 which engage and cooperate with the lobes of the cam. Where there are eight lobes on the cam the arms are arranged so that the followers are at diametrically opposite sides of the cam, as shown in Fig. 20. The followers. are such as to normally bear on or rest on the lands 196 of the cam lobes as shown in Fig. 20, in which case the Geneva movement is operating without movements of the star wheel. When the followers 198 are thus engaged with V'the lands of the cam lobes the armsy 193 are spread. as

spring coupled between the arms 193` normallyY yieldingly inging the arms together so that the lfollovv'ers bear toward the cam.

With the parts arranged and proportioned as shown in Fig. 20 as soon as the movement mechanism or Geneva movement starts rotation of the hub the cam rotates from the position shown in Fig. 20, moving the lands 1:95 out from under the followers whereupon the followers bear inwardly on inclined sides of the cams and apply the force or pressure of the spring to the cam in a manner to aid the Geneva movement in rotating the hub. This aid or supplemental action gained through means G is most eife'ctive as the hub movement is initiated.

As the Geneva movement approaches the end of a movement of the start wheel other cam lobes are moved toward a position where their lands supportY the followers 193 and as Vthe cam is thus moved to a position similar to that shown in Fig. 20 the inclined faces of diametrically opposite lobes force the arms 1:93 apart against the resistance of spring 194 with the result that the spring exerts force resisting movement of the cam and consequently of the shaft 126 carrying the hub 125.

The means H provided for operating the core yD between the retracted position clear 'of the mold and the engaged position within the mold, as shown in*` Fig.` 8, is a fluid pressure actuated means involving, generally, a cylinder 2%, a piston Ziill operating in `the cylinder, .and a control valve 292.v The piston .rod 2533V extending from the piston 291 extends forward from the cylinder 209 and connects with the outer en'd of the core D. The cylinder 20d is mounted in iixed position on a bracket 265 on the end of frame A. it will be observed from the drawings and particularly from Figs. 7 and l() thereof, that the cylinder 206 is located outward of the means J which operates the head E and that the pistonrod 263'is of substantial length and extends freely through the means l in reaching the core D.

The valve 292 controlling the action of the piston 261 in cylinder 200 has two positions. In one position the valve 28d' passes uid from a supply line 2&6 to a line 267 connected with the outer end of cylinder 260. When the valve isin the other position fluid fromv yline 206 is passed through line 2% to the other or inner end of the cylinder. When uid under pressure is admitted to the outer end of cylinder 266 piston 201 is moved inwardly causing the core to be moved inwardly and nally to the in or operating position shown in Fig. 7. When the forming operation has been completed the core is withdrawn from the formed pipe and from the mold by the operation of valve 202 and the consequent admission of pressure behind piston 201 to move it outwardly in cylinder 260.

The means JV provided for operating the forming head E is a iluid pressure actuated means and is shown as involving, generally a cylinder 210, a piston 211 operable in the cylinder, and a valve 212 controlling the ow of Huid under pressure to the cylinder. The cylinder 210 is fixed to the frame A in alignment with the mold and cylinder 200. The piston 211 reciprocates in the cylinder 210 and a tubular piston rod 215v extends from the piston 211 and throughV both ends of cylinder 216 and around the piston rod 203. The head E is carriedby or xed to the inwardly projecting end ofthe piston rod 215 so that as the piston 211 is reciprocated in cylinder 216 the head is moved between a retracted position clear of@ the mold and an in or operating position within the mold, as above described.

The control valve 212 of means J as shown in the diagram, Fig. 22, has three positions, a neutral position as shown in the diagram, where tluid from a supply line 216 is shut olf, an operating position where tluidv from sup- Y 'ply line 126 is admitted to a line 217, and an operating position where pressure from line 216 is admitted to a line 218. The'line 217 extends to the outer end of cylinder 210 so that when uid is supplied through line 217 the head is moved inward or to the in position shown in Fig. 8. The line 218 extends to the other end of the cylinder i 210 and when pressure is supplied to line 218 the head iS withdrawn or retracted.

The means K serves to rotate the head E following its movement to a fully engaged or operating position such as is shown in Fig. 8. The means K, as shown in the drawings, is a uid pressure actuated means involving, generally, a cylinder 220, a piston 221 operable in the cylinder, and a control valve 222. In the form of the inlvention Villustrated the cylinder 228 is supported from Vthe cylinder 220V and the piston 225 projecting therefrom are in a plane normal to the axis of the piston rod 215 that carries the head E.

The mechanism 222 involves, generally, a head 226 on the outer end of piston `rod 225, a guide 227 for the head Y 226, and an arm 228 projecting from the piston rod 215 and couples to the head 226 by a finger 229. The arm 228 is fixed to the outer projecting end of piston rod 215 as shown in Fig. 10 and the finger 229 iS carried by the outer end of arm 228 to project therefrom parallel with and laterally offset from the piston rod 215. The linger 229 is slidably engaged in an opening 230 in the head 226.

.As the piston rod 215 reciprocates the inger 229 movesV in or through the opening 230, the head 226 being held against movement axially of the structure by the guide 227. The guide 227 involves spaced parts between which lthe head 226 is engaged, the engagement of the head with the guide parts being such as to allow the head to move up Vand down as the arm 228 is swung between positions such as are shown in full and dotted lines in Fig. l2 of the drawings.

With the construction just described introduction of fluid under pressure into cylinder 220. when the head is fully engaged in the mold'will causeV the head to rotate in the bell formedV on therendV of the blank T, in eiect troweling the interior of the bell and freeing the head from the bell Yand proongs so that when means l is operated to retract the head the head is free of the formed material in the mold and moves out of the bell and mold clean or clear of the formed pipe.

The control valve 222 has two positions. In one position the valve 222 admits uid under pressure from a Supply line to a line 232 connected to one end of cy1inder 220. In the other position the valve admits iluid from the line 230 to a line 22,2a connected with the other end of cylinder 220. Through the valve 229 the means K can be operated to rotate the head E in either direction.

The trimmer L embodied in the Shaper YY is located at the end of the Shaper remote from that where the mold and its cooperating parts are located. The trimmer in its preferred form serves Several different functions and it preferably combines these functions. The trimmer serves primarily aS a means to axially locate and shift, if necessary, the blank T preliminary to the mold being closed and the core and head being operated. In accordance with the general arrangement of principal elements hereinabove described the blank as formed or established by the former XX is discharged therefrom immediat-ely onto the means Y and the means Yrclosely couples the former XX and the Shaper YY all with the result that the blank T formed by the former rolls from the former to the Shaper with little or no deection or distortion and, consequently, is deposited in a cradlev or sh'aper in a definite predetermined manner. In practice there may possibly be slight deection `of the blank as'it passes from the former to the Shaper causing it to be axially displaced slightly one way or the other, as it reaches the Shaper and therefore we contemplate locating or relating the principal elementssof the machine so that the blank enters or is received in the Shaper in a position Slightly toward the trimmer end of the Shaper from that in which it occurs when the mold closes, and we provide the trimmer as a means engaging the blank and operating to position or shift it slightly forward or toward the mold to nally locate the end of the blank remote from the bell at a predetermined distance from the mold which forms the bell.

The trimmer further functions to trim or dress the end of the blank remote from the bell preferably both by smoothing or iattening that end of the blank and by rounding the corners thereof. Further, the trimmer preferably serves to establish scoring or indentations in the exterior lof the trimmed end portion, and it may, if de- Y sired, establish a slight taper on the Scored end.

The trimmer, as shown in the drawings, involves, generally, a base plate AA, a shell BB, a plug CC, means DD slidably Vrelating the shell and the plug, and Scoring means EE. Y

The base plate AA is shown as a simple dat plate disposed in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of Y va slightly tapered bore 241 and at its outer end it is outwardly flared as at 242. The shell has an inwardly projecting flange portion 243 at its inner end by which the body iS joined to the plate AAand which cooperates with the plug CC, as will be'hereinafter described.

The plug CC is located concentrically in the shell,

being slidably supported in the Shell by the means DD. The plug has an outer cylindrical Surface 245 of Such diameter as to slidably enter or engage in the opening 148 of the blank T and the tip end portion 246 of the plug is preferably tapered to facilitate entrance of the `plug into the blank. An outwardly projecting flange 248 is provided at the inner end of the plug. The ange 248 is such as toV cooperate with iiange 243 in forming or defining an inner end wall at the inner end of cavity Y'250 provided between the exterior of the plug and the interior of the shell. It is this inner wall established by the shell and plug that engages the end 251 of the blank Y T to smooth and Vform it as desired.

The means DD is in the nature of a central guide slidably supporting the plug CC relative to the Shell BB. The'guide means DD has a centrally located guide part 256 projecting from the plate AA through the shell and to a point beyond the outer end of the shell. The plug CC is slidably mounted on the guide partV 256 and is limited in its reciprocation or axial movement on the guide by an outer Stop flange 266 and an inner ,stop flange 267.

When the Structure just described is operated or shifted axially So that the shell engages over the exterior of the end of blank T while the plug CC enters into the opening 148 of blank T, the opening 241 in the shell slightly tapers the exterior of the end portion of the blank While Y the end 251 of the blank is being smoothed and rounded, as above described.

With the construction that we have provided the parts are effectively removed or disengaged from the trimmed 17 stop flange 266 with the plug, as shown in Fig. 11 of the drawings.

The scoring means EE in the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, involves a plurality of like scoring devices or elements in series circumferentially of the shell BB. Each scoring element involves one or more body parts 270 slidably carried in radial guideways 271 in the shell, a cross arm 272 connecting the parts 270, springs 273 normally yieldingly holding the parts 270 retracted, as shown in Fig. 16, and operating means 275 for the structure made up of the parts 27d and 272.

The inner ends 276 of the parts 270 are such as to be operated into the `interior of the shell BB and are shaped and fashioned to establish or leave the desired imprint upon the exterior of the blank T in the course of its being trimmed as hereinabove described.

In practice the guideways 271 may be established in the shell BB in any desired manner. In the particular case illustrated the body 240 of the shell is made up of a plurality of sections joined together as by tie bolts 277. In the case shown there are three sections and the intermediate section is recessed to establish the desired guideways so that they extend radially of the shell. It is further preferred that the 'guideways be established in an annular or circumferential series so that the scoring members 27 0 when operated or moved to extend into the cavity established by the shell serve to, in etect, establish scoring entirely around the end portion of the blank T.

The operating means 275 provided for each of the units just referred to may'involve a cylinder 280 and a ram 281 extending into the cylinder from the cross arm 272. A pressure supply line 283 connects into the cylinder 280 so that when fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder the ram 280 is displaced therefrom moving the scoring parts 270 inwardly from the position shown in Fig. 16 to a position where their tip ends 276 extend into and score the material located in the shell. The springs 273 return the scoring parts to their normal positions. In the particular form of the invention illustrated the supply lines 283 of the several units just described are connected together or with a common header 290 and pressure is supplied to the header 290 from the line 217 to which pressure is admitted through the valve 212,. The scoring mechanism is thus cooperatively coupled or related to the means J or at least the valve 212 of means .i so that when the means J is operated to engage the head and the mold the scoring means operates to score the opposite end of the blank.

The means M provided for operating the trimmer is shown as a fluid pressure actuated unit involving, generally, a cylinder 295 and a piston 296. The cylinder 295 is mounted in iixed position on standard 121 of frame A to be in alignment with the trimmer and the mold of the Shaper. The piston 296 reciprocates in the cylinder and a piston rod 297 projects from the piston and cylinder to connect with the plate AA.

The construction just described is such that when uid under pressure is admitted to the outer end of cylinder 295 through a pressure connection 2,98 the piston 296 is moved inwardly moving the plate AA toward the blank T until the shell has engaged over the end of the blank and the plug CC has engaged inside the blank suitably positioning the blank axially, attening the end 251 of the blank, trimming the corners thereof and also tapering the exterior of the blank. With the blank T thus positioned through the operation of the trimmer the blank is located in the machine ready for the mold to be closed or operated following which the core can be operated and the head operated in order to form the ybell on the opposite end of the blank. When uid under pressure Vis admitted to the other or inner end of cylinder 295, as through a pressure line 299, the plate AA is withdrawn 18 or retracted, rst disengaging the shell from the trimmed blank and then withdrawing the plug from within the trimmed blank.

In the preferred form of the invention the means VM, above described, is operated simultaneously with the means H and consequentlyvthe valve 202 which controls means H may also be utilized to control the operation of means M. in this case the line 208 of means H above described may be connected with line 299 of means M, while the line 207 of means H may be connected to line 2523 of means M. Y

The timer N of the Shaper coordinates the operation of the various operating means of theshaper hereinabove described. In the particular form of the invention'illustrated the timer is an electrical control involving electromagnetic operating units for the valves of the operating means, switches controlling the electromagnetic operators and cam means controlling said switches.

The electromagnetic kunit 300'is provided for operating valve 262. An electromagnetic unit 301 is provided for operating the valve 2.112` to one operating position while an electromagnetic unit 32 is provided for operating the valve 212 to the other operating position. An electromagnetic unit 3% is provided for operating valve 162. An electromagnetic unit 364 is provided for operating valve 222.

The electrical system in which the several electromagnetic operating units just referred to are connected is 'energized from power lines 31) and 311 and each electromagnetic unit is under control of a switch, there being a switch 312 for unit 300, a switch 313 for unit 301, a switch 314 for unit 302, a switch 315 for unit 303 and a switch 316 for unit 304.

The timer N preferably includes cam means controlling the action of the several switches above mentioned and in the case illustrated the cam mechanism or cam means is operatively coupled with the drive provided for operating the hub which carries the cradles and inner mold sections. In the particular arrangement illustrated there is a timer shaft 32u projecting from the shaft 176 that drives the pin wheel. The shaft 320 is thus constantly driven by the motor 172 through the mechanism in case 180 and the drive 181.

The cam means involves a plurality of cams axially spaced on the shaft 32S there being a cam 322 operating switch 312, a cam 323 operating switch 313, a cam 324 operating switch 314, a cam 325 operating switch 315, and a cam 326 operating switch 316. The several cams just referred to may be substantially alike, that is, they may be keyed on the cam shaft 320 and each may operate a rocker arm 33% carrying a mercury type switch, or the like. Such a typical switch is illustrated in Fig. 21 of the drawings. It is to be observed that in such a switch construction the cam operates to rock the mercury switch to one position while a spring 331 is provided for moving the switch to the opposite position.

It should be understood that in each valve there may be incorporated a spring which normally holds the valve in one position and when the electromagnetic operating unit of that valve is energized the valve is moved to the other position, with the exception of valve 212 in which case the valve is moved to one operating position by unit 3%1 and is moved to the other operating position by unit 302. p

The several cams are designed or shaped and related so that the control switches of the several electromagnetic units above described are operated as follows. When the movement mechanism G that operates the hub carrying the cradle has operated a blank carrying cradle and lower mold section to a position in line with the mold and when that blank has come to rest in position to be operated upon, the means M of the trimmer L is operated toV advance the shell and plug of the trimmer into engagement with one end of the blank while the means n pressure. Y

H is operated to advancethe core into the other end of the blank and at the same time Ythe means Fis operated to move the upper mold Y(section into operating position.

The structure is such that the means HY and M operate faster than means FY with the result that the core enters the blank before the mold is fully closed and, consequently, theYtrimmer has an opportunity to shift the blank axially, bringing it into the desired axial position before the mold finally closes, setting the blank tight in the mold with the core within the blank ready for the head to be operated. Y Y Y Y Y When the mold is Ytinally closed the means J operates, advancing the head into the mold and over the core until it finally reaches the in or fully operated position, at which time the bell of the pipe is completely formed. As this :operation occurs the same pressure that operates means I operates the means EE of the trimmer so that While the formed blank is held at both ends the scoring means operates to establish the desired scoring at the exterior of the end of the blank remote from the bell. Following this operation the means-K operates to rotate the head While it is maintained in the in or engaged position. Y Y Y Y When the pipe is completely formed the means J, the means H and the means M are operated to withdraw the head, the core and the trimmer from the formed pipe, while the mold is being maintained closed. When the core and head have been freed of the pipe the means F is operated to open the mold. When the mold has been opened the Shaper has completed its cycle of operation and the formed pipe is ready to be advanced to the po- Ysition V where it can be removed from the machine as the Shaper is next operated to move the next blank into position to be operated upon.

In the foregoing description the various operating means of the Shaper have been referred to as uidpressure actuated. It is to be understood that in practice any desired form-of power may be employed to drive the various elements of the shaper. When uid pressure is employed it is advantageous to employ liquid, as for instances oil, for operating allY of the operating means except the means H and the means M, which are preferably operated by air. In the diagram (Fig. 22) we show a liquid pressure generating'means in theform of a pump 350 driven by a prime mover such as a motor 351 and operating tordraw liquidfrom a reservoir 352 and deliver it to the pressure supply line 353 which connects to the several pressure supply lines requiring liquid under pressure. A pressure regulator valve 354 is provided to bypass excess pressure developed by the pump back to the reservoir through a connection 355. It is Yfurther to be understood that after the uid has been employed to effect the desired operation or operations it may be returned to the reservoir 352 through a return system 356. YWe also illustrate a suitable means for supplying air under pressure to operate the means H and M. In the case illustrated an air pump 360 is shown driven by a prime mover such as a motor 361 and the air delivered by the pump is delivered into a reservoir 362 from which it is drawn by a pressure supply line 363 connected to the'supply lines requiring air under The control meansY A isV a general control for the structure hereinabove described and in the form illustrated includes, generally, -a master switch 370 controlling the power lines entering the machine, an electromagnetic unit 371 related to the normally open valve 179 to close that Yvalve when it is energized, a cam 3,72 in Vthe timer N or operating in synchronism with the timer N and controlling a stop switch 373 for the unit 371 So that the circuit to the unit 371 is closed when the cycle of the Shaper has been completed, as hereinabove described, or

'in other words when the mold of the Shaper has finally opened freeing the mechanism ready for another opera- -tion. The control means Z further includes a normally closed starting switch 374 Vin series with the,l switch 373 controlling the unit 371, which switch 374 is .under control of 'a'cam 375,9 f i" S i The operation of thecam V375 controlling the 'switch 374/vis Synchronized with Vthe operation of therextruder X so thatwhen'the extruder X has delivered a given Supply S from the die 23 the switch 374 is opened, opening or breaking the circuit to the unit 371 through the closed switch 373 above described. Y'

The means Z involves a drive for the cam 375 synchronized with the operationof the extruder X. In the particular case illustrated the drive for cam 375 Yinvolves a drive wheel 380 which engages the exteriorV of the supply `S of extruded material issuing from die 23. The wheel 380 is on a shaft 381 which drives the cam 375. C. A

The parts hereinabove described arerrelated and vpr'oportioned -so that underfnormal operating conditions-the' Shaper operates faster than the extruder. The extruder is operating constantly or substantially constantly causing the supply S to constantly issue fromY the die 23 with the result that the starter cam 375 is rotated constantly.

From the foregoing description it Vwill bel apparent Athat the Shaper is Such as to be advantageously operated -intermittently, that is, through a complete cycle, as above described, following which it can be completely shut olf. As the Shaper operates the cam 372 in the timer of the Shaper operates, and through the relationship of parts that we provide the-cam 372 operates somewhat faster than cam 375. Y

Assuming the starter to have been stopped by closing ofthe stop switch 373 due to the cam 372 operating the switch 373 to the'closed position, the valve 179 is closed by the energizing of unit 371 with consequent stoppage of operation of the Shaper leaving the switch 373 closed.`

When a given or necessary supply has issued from the extruder, rotating cam 375 to a position to open starter switch 374, the circuit through the unit 371 is opened, allowing valve 179 to open so that the Shaper starts operation. As soon as the Shaper starts operation the cam 372 starts to operate and cam 375 continues to operate, the cam 372 operating somewhat faster than cam 375. When the Shaper has completed its cycle of opera- Y tion, cam 372 closes switch 373 with consequent closing of valve 179 and stoppage of the Shaper, and the ShaperY Viiuid is admitted to cylinder 76 in a manner to position the carriage in an out or fully operated position where -the carrier is located to discharge a blank onto vthe means Y. An electromagnetic unit 390 is provided to operate the valve 78 to a position wherefluid is admitted to the opposite end of cylinder 76 in order to move the carriage to a position adjacent the die 23 of the extruder. The

Yunit 390 is under control of the switch 374 so that when a suticient supply Vhas been delivered by the extruder to the carrier on the carriage the switch 374 opens, starting operation of the Shaper, as above described, and opening the circuit to the unit 390 so that the carriage proceeds to operate to the extended or normal position, carrying with it the extruded Supply that is on the carrier, which is cut and discharged from the former when the carriage reaches the fully extended or normal position, as'hereinabove described.

The invention further includes a safety means operat ing to prevent operation of the machine in the event that any one of the operating units thereof should become The safety means includes, generally, a plurality otl safety switches 400, one for each operating unit to be 

